Chelsea beat Cardiff City 3-1 to advance to the League Cup semi-finals, offering support for manager Enzo Maresca after recent criticism.
CHELSEA advanced to the League Cup semi-finals with a 3-1 victory over Cardiff City on Tuesday, providing a timely boost for manager Enzo Maresca.
The Blues were pushed hard by the League One leaders at a sold-out Cardiff City Stadium before securing their place in the last four.
Alejandro Garnacho broke the deadlock for Chelsea in the 57th minute after coming on at half-time.
Cardiff equalised through David Turnbull’s powerful header in the 75th minute to set up a tense finale.
Pedro Neto restored Chelsea’s lead with a deflected strike in the 82nd minute before Garnacho sealed the win in stoppage time.
The result offered a welcome tonic for Maresca after his recent comments about a lack of support at the club.
Speaking after the match, Maresca shifted focus to the achievement of reaching another semi-final.
“Tonight the focus has to be that we reached the semi-final, the support from fans has always been there,” he said.
“We are going in the right direction, everything I do is because I want the best for everyone, the fans, players everyone.”
Maresca made 11 changes to his starting lineup, resting Cole Palmer and recalling Moises Caicedo from suspension.
Cardiff started brightly and forced Chelsea goalkeeper Filip Jorgensen into early saves from Callum Robinson and Turnbull.
The home side nearly took the lead when Isaak Davies’s cross deflected off Caicedo, requiring a superb stop from Jorgensen.
Maresca’s double substitution at half-time, introducing Garnacho and Joao Pedro, changed the game.
Garnacho capitalised on a poor pass from Dylan Lawlor, finishing calmly after being set up by Facundo Buonanotte.
Cardiff’s equaliser came from a Perry Ng cross that was headed home emphatically by Turnbull.
Neto’s winner took a deflection on its way past goalkeeper Nathan Trott, before Garnacho completed his brace with a deft chip.
The victory was only Chelsea’s second in their last six matches across all competitions.
Chelsea last won the League Cup in 2015 and are currently eight points behind Premier League leaders Arsenal.
The other quarter-finals see Manchester City host Brentford and Newcastle face Fulham on Wednesday, while Arsenal meet Crystal Palace on December 23.
